ANKARA: Trkiye is intensifying its efforts to aid Palestine, Gaza, and Lebanon amidst ongoing Israeli assaults, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday. He emphasized that the country is doing much more than what is publicly known, reaffirming Trkiye’s commitment to support Palestine until the conflict ceases and the region is liberated.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted Trkiye’s proactive stance against Israel’s aggressive policies from the outset. He stated that Trkiye has been actively working within the United Nations and other international bodies to pressure Israel into ending hostilities. Trkiye has consistently brought attention to the situation in Gaza at international forums, leading humanitarian aid efforts by sending 86,000 tons of assistance to the region.

Erdogan underscored his discussions on the Gaza conflict during international meetings, such as the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan and the G20 summit in Brazil. He also discussed the challenges faced by Pales
tinians during a visit from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Erdogan reiterated Trkiye’s commitment to uniting the Islamic world against Israeli policies and warned of the conflict’s expansion to neighboring countries.

In his remarks, Erdogan lamented the ongoing violence, which has resulted in over 44,000 deaths since October 2023, and criticized the global community’s support for Israel. He described recent ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders as a significant step toward accountability, urging countries to uphold the Rome Statute.

On domestic matters, Erdogan reported progress in Trkiye’s oil exploration efforts, particularly in regions previously affected by separatist terrorism. Daily oil production in the Gabar region has reached 57,000 barrels, with plans to expand exploration drills and increase production further. Additionally, he highlighted the success of Trkiye’s Zero Waste Movement, a global initiative led by first lady Emine Erdogan to combat climate change.